Selectism

Something popped up on eBay last week that is catching the attention of those ultra-vintage hunters worldwide. A pair of 1890's Levi 201's were found in the Mojave Desert in Californian. This find find in itself is not a common one but what is making this find a biggie is the condition of the denim jeans themselves. From the auction, "They are covered in candlewax from the candle's the miner was using to light the tunnel he was working in. They were found with and old paper bag with the name of a mercantile store which operated between 1895 and 1898 in the town or Randsburg.  Their was also a gunny sack with the initials A.P.K. and Randsburg marked on it.  A.P.K. is through to be Adam P. Kuffel who was a partner in the mercantile store." As of this posting, the auction has hit 8000$US and we can only assume it will reach 5 digits soon.

This has to be seen to believe. Visit this eBay auction and view more shots of the denim after the jump. 

The new Nom De Guerre Fall/Winter 2008 collection has arrived at Oki-Ni. The first drop consists of a nice short parka, hooded shirt as well as some quality knitwear. Furthermore you will find classic selvedge denim and some accessories, including hats and matching scarf as well as a travel bag. All in all a subtle collection, but definitely not boring.

More views of the Nom De Guerre Fall/Winter 2008 collection available now after the jump.

Diesel Denim Gallery has produced two pairs of jeans aimed at the denim addict. Woven on the famed looms of Okayama, Japan, the new items come in 14oz denim. The dye is hand done, and each pair comes in a delicate rice paper bag. Apart from the pure indigo version above, a washed pair is also out. 

Check out the washed pair after the jump.

Considered one of Japan's finest denim houses (it all started in 1976), Studio D'Artisan has just released theXXX-28 model. Available in an edition of 161 pairs, the XXX-28 is made with Zimbabwe Cotton and a special intense rich dye from Tokushima in Japan. If that is notenough, then allow for the presentation box and banner to seal the deal on this pair of incredibly high end denim. Available now at Superdenim UK.

See more detailed views of the Studio D'Artisan XXX-28 denim after the jump.

Parisian label Surface 2 Air and Justice got together to work on a small capsule collection. The result is a a limited edition series of 3 jackets (150 pieces), and 2 jeans, conceived and designed by Justice for Surface To Air. With a very exclusive distribution, the line will be available beginning June at the following locations: Surface To Air Paris, Surface To Air Brazil, Colette, Barneys, Lane Crawford, Isetan, Le Bon Marché, Paris Texas, Asylum, Le Shop, Incu. Via Fashionwindows.

Have a look at all jackets and the denim after the jump.

We just came across some very special product from Evisu. The Japanese denim company released a Zippo, Teddy Bears and a Helmet. All three pieces come of course covered in denim with lots of nice details. The helmet is a collaboration with Acejet and the lighter with Zippo.

All three are now available in several colorways at Ripe. Check out some more pictures after the jump.

Denimology is reporting that California based denim line, J Brand is re-launching their men's offering this coming August as the J Brand Denim Co.

Working under the rules that mens denim is not produced in the same manner as women's, J Brand has hired on Denim Revival's Sean Hornbeak to ensure they get it right.

With the expected $200 median pricepoint and full manufacturing inside the USA (including the denim itself), J Brand Co. should make a solid mark on the premium denim market.

More photos and views after the jump.

Kitsuné has always been special in what ever they did. With a strong music background the Parisians will open their first flagship store end of the month and present since a couple of seasons a clothing line of selected pieces.

Their new Spring/Summer 2008 collection has now arrived at Eliminator. It consists of dry denim in two color ways, made in Japan, cashmere cardigans made in France and shirts made in Italy. One can clearly see how they source each product only from the best spots around the globe.

More pics after the jump.

In the last couple of months Levi's Europe was working on an interesting project in Belgium. They asked 100 artists to design the iconic Levi's backpocket. The pieces of art were then put on display at the Backpocket Gallery in Belgium and were auctioned off, with the benefits going to foundations fighting AIDS. Via Notcot.

Check out the various designs of the project here.

It is incredible seeing Mastermind Japan going into their 11th year and still you will hardly find any goods by the brand that are not black and do not carry the skull and bones logo. The drive to deliver superior quality with a subtle aesthetic just seems to work.

Here we give you a look at some of the first releases out of their Spring/Summer 2008 collection. A nice new windstopper blouson, skull denim pants, cap, scarf, ties and also a Fragment Design x Base Control underwear collection. All these goods are now available at Cliff Edge.

After the jump you can check out the rest of the pieces.